Mandalorian Mercs Costume Club
Mandalorian Armor => Armor Construction => Topic started by: Vercopaanir on Nov 24, 2021, 03:03 PM
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This kit is my creative release while I work on my cannon build. A clan mate always says the custom kits have the most fun and he's not wrong. I'm not going to stop working on my cannon build, I just want another kit that I can throw on quickly for shorter troops.
This kit is going to be post-imp build with Bo-Katan style plates. (Personally think those are some of the best plate styles for the ladies that we have seen yet.) I plan on keeping it as simple as possible at first. Of course with me simple is a matter of perspective.
I have a file of inspiration photos on Imgur.
https://imgur.com/a/YWtijme
My plan is the use the navy two piece that I made as a tester for another project as my flightsuit. I'm wearing the Kama from my current kit in these photos as that was when I was still considering the overall look I wanted for my first kit.
(https://i.imgur.com/bTwfgI6.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/z0KjPe0.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/a8V6QUZ.jpg)
My vest will be a combo of this leather with grey side panels. I am thinking I want to do the vest similar to what you see on the covert mandos, just make it with princess seams for the fem-mando.
(https://i.imgur.com/PfNRshk.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/ovEOg4t.jpg)
This leather reminds me of a whale shark which, to me, correlates a bit to an aiwha in star wars.
Color wise I am planning a weird sort of mottling effect. My current color selection are these.
(https://i.imgur.com/ehBrcZz.jpg)
I plan on using the cream, light green and lightest brown on the front plates in a fractal triangle-ish pattern (Sea Turtle shell-ish). While the creme, darker green and darker brown will be on the tasset and shoulder plates with a more striped pattern (think similar to a tiger shark but not quite). The colors will start lighter in the front and get darker as you go back. The back plate will be the grey on the edges slowly fading into the navy with spots of the dark brown and flecks of the green. I also plan on hand painting in some splatters of the reddish color you see on the Mon Calamari and Rif Tamsons wetsuit. Is this ambitious, yeah probably. It may change as I go and decided if I like it or not.
I have already begun construction on my armor. I hadn't planned on starting this build yet but I had two clan mates ask about making the female post-imp chest plates and I couldn't answer those questions. So I got myself some patterns and sat down to figure it out. I think it went fairly well.
(https://i.imgur.com/VIWlo1T.jpg?1) (https://i.imgur.com/qZpzT3W.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/SYULiww.jpg)
It was at this stage that I took them to the local armor party and was able to talk the others through building their own. Hopefully we'll have two new post-imp builds started soon!
I have since cut and started heat forming the trauma plates that I plan on adding to this build.
(https://i.imgur.com/a7E2kMT.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/Hm0SQyB.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/jO1wb1q.jpg)
I have a bit more sanding to do to make them a bit more symmetrical but they are pretty close.
Edit 5/10/2020
Approval email was received yesterday!
(https://i.imgur.com/eHSuIRN.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/Rg2Q50K.jpg)
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Actually, I have been working on something that might be perfect for an aquatic mando. Let me know if I can help in this endeavor.
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Nice! Excited for this kit! I am a huge whale shark advocate :cookie:
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an aquatic mando, how exciting :porg2: definitely following this build
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nice progress so far! commenting here to follow this build :like:
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Actually, I have been working on something that might be perfect for an aquatic mando. Let me know if I can help in this endeavor.
Thank you PSessum, I usually like your ideas so I'm totally down for a collaboration.
Nice! Excited for this kit! I am a huge whale shark advocate :cookie:
Me too! One day I'd love to see one.
an aquatic mando, how exciting :porg2: definitely following this build
Enjoy the ride and feel free to offer suggestions. Ideas are always appreciated. :D
nice progress so far! commenting here to follow this build :like:
Thanks!
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Me too! One day I'd love to see one.
I actually have! I visited an aquarium in Atlanta when I was young and saw them. Would love to see them in the wild (and travel to where whale sharks live lol)
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That is so cool!! :like: I’m envious of how you have so much time to create all of this amazing stuff. :D Question, though. Did you use a template for your chest plate and if so, would you be willing to post it? Bo-Katan’s plates are annoying to figure out.
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That is so cool!! :like: I’m envious of how you have so much time to create all of this amazing stuff. :D Question, though. Did you use a template for your chest plate and if so, would you be willing to post it? Bo-Katan’s plates are annoying to figure out.
Thanks! It really only gets done in fits and starts. Usually takes me a year to build one kit so don't get discouraged and keep on building. Those 20 mins intervals start to add up fast when you're working on a project like this. I purchased my templates as I didn't want to take the time to design them. They're not that complicated but I decided to part with money instead of time. This is the link to the pattern I got. https://www.etsy.com/listing/910014585/bo-katan-armor-templates-pattern-foam?ref=yr_purchases
I actually have! I visited an aquarium in Atlanta when I was young and saw them. Would love to see them in the wild (and travel to where whale sharks live lol)
That's awesome! To dive where the wild things are would be pretty cool. :8):
Quick update: Bondo! and sanding.
(https://i.imgur.com/CmiVkFq.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/XXfdASn.jpg)
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I had a few hours this afternoon and decided to spend them building.
I mainly worked on my vest today. I got the majority of it done but I didn't account for the fact that my secondary fabric isn't stretchy so I cut my elastic too short. Oh well, it's an easy enough fix but that meant that I couldn't finish it as I will have to pull the side seams open to put longer elastic in, then I can quilt it and finish the back. The rest of it is done though.
(https://i.imgur.com/Sq7fNED.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/macJmG9.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/c52Xx7I.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/onnTEg2.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/7ENWHfp.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/czNpgZG.jpg)
I still need to cover the zipper pull for the flightsuit and add a bit of elastic to the waist of the pants as they are a touch to big. (Why can't I get them right the first time?!)
I also got the first layer of primer on the chest and backplate. (They're still wet when I took the photo but it's a matte black primer.)
(https://i.imgur.com/bNxEi33.jpg)
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Vest looks awesome! Can't wait to see more of the plates too
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Vest looks awesome! Can't wait to see more of the plates too
Thanks!
I finished the vest! Lengthened the elastic, quilted in the back side panels and hemmed it. I haven't decided if I want to put any topstitching on the main panels yet.
(https://i.imgur.com/me8SzAb.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ftv03Fj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ifgRPo2.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/MWIkOjb.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/o6YnN5o.jpg)
Don't mind the fuzzy pajama pants. Got home from work and said "Meh, not doing anything else today."
I patterned out, cut and heat formed the base for my shoulder bells. I also heat formed the shoulder straps? That's what I'm going to call them. I still need to finish cutting out the fins that will be mounted along the edge of the shoulder but the base it ready for some filler.
(https://i.imgur.com/9AtW2Vj.jpg)
I also made the patterns for the gauntlet bases and the shins
(https://i.imgur.com/tjJ27JG.jpg)
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That looks great!! I love how your flak vest looks like fish scales! Very cool
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Consider me following!
Youll probably want to sleeve the exposed elastic (PI CRL still doesnt allow visible elastic except on knees/elbows) Given your very solid sewing skills, should be a simple task
I love the hand made PI chest and those shoulder strap panels will be killer!
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That looks great!! I love how your flak vest looks like fish scales! Very cool
Thanks!
Consider me following!
You'll probably want to sleeve the exposed elastic (PI CRL still doesn't allow visible elastic except on knees/elbows) Given your very solid sewing skills, should be a simple task
I love the hand made PI chest and those shoulder strap panels will be killer!
Thanks for the heads up. I read the CRLs a bunch when I designed this and since the Post-Imp CRLs and the Modern CRLs said nearly the same exact thing (including the list of acceptable closure methods) for the vest and the strapping portion of the CRLs (where the acceptable uses for elastic are listed and are the same just with different wording). I thought I should be good since my current vest passed and those sections are practically identical. It also says in the CRL that the traditional vest (aka modern style) is approvable for post-imp so my approved custom (a little modification from my modern style vest was made to better fit the post-imp aesthetic but I could just make the same vest and it should be approved based off that statement in the CRLs) should also translate, yes? Or is my logic flawed?
I am trying to figure this out so I can help the rest of my clan building post-Imp stuff. We've got two foundlings working on post-imp femmando's which is what prompted this build. None of us actually know and since our Ruus' is no longer with us I don't have a clan resource for this. I have been asked to step into the position come elections but until then I'm going to play devil's advocate to try and find all the places someone can poke holes in the CRLs and try to have an answer before hand. So I want all the advise I can get about this sorta thing and to stopper as many holes as I can think of.
Okay back on topic. I can easily cover them with fabric but then they kinda look like scrunchies which, shudder, not the look I'm going for. Leather, nylon strapping or anything else that doesn't stretch wouldn't work at all as, well, it doesn't stretch. Got any brilliant ideas for how to add the fabric without getting the scrunchie look? 'Cuz just a tube of fabric looking mildly like an old scrunchy doesn't pass my personal quality check.
Or perhaps the apps team would be willing to assess this as one of those case by case basis approval things? Since this is something that has been approved for pervious eras so the knowledge of how to do it wouldn't have been lost to this time period. I am using top of the line elastic. Just a FYI I do plan on backing this section with chain mail same as my current kit, not sure if that would make a difference in the assessment.
I'll keep brain storming it for now.
Update:
I got the shoulder straps heat formed!
(https://i.imgur.com/dM3WFoU.jpg)
I also got the fins attached to the shoulder bells. They were screwed and glued on.
(https://i.imgur.com/xdsDuzN.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/pFGFLtv.jpg)
A little bit of filler and these will be ready for a coat of primer.
Additionally I got the shins and the bases for the gauntlets cut out of PVC pipe. I haven't done any heat forming yet.
(https://i.imgur.com/LY4LCNp.jpg)
I am also still debating the trauma plating for the shins. I know I want to do something but I tend to favor what I did with my first pair and I want these to be different. I'll keep sketching ideas till I find one I like.
And I started to pattern out the half chaps for this kit. I plan on using the same leather as the central panel of the vest for these.
(https://i.imgur.com/R4AaI3Q.jpg)
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Thanks for the heads up. I read the CRLs a bunch when I designed this and since the Post-Imp CRLs and the Modern CRLs said nearly the same exact thing (including the list of acceptable closure methods) for the vest and the strapping portion of the CRLs (where the acceptable uses for elastic are listed and are the same just with different wording). I thought I should be good since my current vest passed and those sections are practically identical. It also says in the CRL that the traditional vest (aka modern style) is approvable for post-imp so my approved custom (a little modification from my modern style vest was made to better fit the post-imp aesthetic but I could just make the same vest and it should be approved based off that statement in the CRLs) should also translate, yes? Or is my logic flawed?
Per the CRLs:
Elastic strapping must be concealed EXCEPT on knees, elbows, and “Boba Thongs” where they must be color matched to flight suit.
My guess is that your original kit it was not obvious that it was elastic. In this vest, you can clearly see that it is.
You could always go with a leather, cotton, or nylon strap for the visible section that is attached to elastic under the vest. That way you would still have some stretch without the visible elastic.
*FYI your Ruus'alor or app team may require you to modify your existing vest if it has exposed elastic.
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Yup, sometimes things like elastic get "passed" since the app team is still human.
Just wanted to weigh in here so you dont happen to get bit by something that is an otherwise incredible build.
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Per the CRLs:
Elastic strapping must be concealed EXCEPT on knees, elbows, and “Boba Thongs” where they must be color matched to flight suit.
So now I am more confused then before. You're quoting the section of the CRLs that is about armor strapping. Not related to vests at all. So not sure how that is supposed to translate. Additionally the quoted section is not all the places it is a allowed, as it says in the point directly above that it may also be used on the boot armor. Again though, this entire section of the CRLs is in relation to strapping armor on, not vest closure methods. In fact, elastic is not mentioned at all in relation to vests. Unless your saying that what is acceptable in one section can be used in another section? Because if that's the case, that means I can use a zipper to hold my armor on as long as I cover the pull tab or even lace them on, since that is an approved method listed in the vest section. (A ridiculous example but hopefully it gets my point across).
My guess is that your original kit it was not obvious that it was elastic. In this vest, you can clearly see that it is.
On my first kit it is color matched perfectly to my vest, and did I mention that I am using top quality elastic. It looks like nylon webbing when it isn't stretched out.
Also using elastic as a closure method on vests has been on approved kits since 2010. Did I dive that deep into the forums? Yes, yes I did. Another vest made with elastic closures and bathing suit clips is on the female armor resource thread. (Started in 2016 with an attempted revamp in 2018 due to the whole Photobucket fiasco.) I read a lot of these but with all the dead links I was only able make use of some of the information.
http://mandalorianmercs.org/forum/index.php?topic=113742.0
And the one kit that I personally bookmarked and drew a bunch of inspiration from was this build. Amazing craftmanship and beautiful use of colors.
http://mandalorianmercs.org/forum/index.php?topic=28072.0
So, historically speaking the Mercs as a group have approved vests with elastic side closures, pretty much since the inception of the club. And since it is not directly addressed in the vest section, this led to the obvious conclusion that this was one of those items that could only be approved on a case by case basis. As is the way with all things not directly addressed in the CRLs.
You could always go with a leather, cotton, or nylon strap for the visible section that is attached to elastic under the vest. That way you would still have some stretch without the visible elastic.
None of those items have any stretch whatsoever, so I still end up with a bit of a scrunchy look which I am trying to avoid. I appreciate the ideas though. Does give me an idea about a possible different method to hide the closures. Stay tuned while I work that idea out.
*FYI your Ruus'alor or app team may require you to modify your existing vest if it has exposed elastic.
As I said earlier, I am currently fulfilling the duties of the Ruus'alor best I can, since our Ruus'alor Sol'yce is no longer with us. Hence the reason I am beating this topic with a stick. I want to hear all the answers to all the possible arguments I can throw at you guys so that I have answers for my foundlings/recruits when they ask me. Also, my current vest has already been modified since base approval, as in two brigades worth of alterations to the entire kit.
Yup, sometimes things like elastic get "passed" since the app team is still human.
Just wanted to weigh in here so you dont happen to get bit by something that is an otherwise incredible build.
I appreciate you looking out for me.
I didn't think it was an accident that my first kit was passed with the elastic because, as I mentioned above, elastic closures on vests have been on approved kits as far back as 2010. I would have made different choices for the first kit if I hadn't already seen it on multiple approved kits. Unfortunately I only bookmarked the one but I can think of at lest three others that I found that were approved with high quality elastic that either blended or contrasted perfectly with their kits.
I knew this vest would be pushing the line since the nylon stretch webbing doesn't color match with the side panels or the flightsuit (it does match the central panel and contrasts nicely with the side panels). I will be figuring out a cover method for them for this kit.
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So now I am more confused then before. You're quoting the section of the CRLs that is about armor strapping. Not related to vests at all. So not sure how that is supposed to translate. Additionally the quoted section is not all the places it is a allowed, as it says in the point directly above that it may also be used on the boot armor. Again though, this entire section of the CRLs is in relation to strapping armor on, not vest closure methods. In fact, elastic is not mentioned at all in relation to vests. Unless your saying that what is acceptable in one section can be used in another section? Because if that's the case, that means I can use a zipper to hold my armor on as long as I cover the pull tab or even lace them on, since that is an approved method listed in the vest section. (A ridiculous example but hopefully it gets my point across).
On my first kit it is color matched perfectly to my vest, and did I mention that I am using top quality elastic. It looks like nylon webbing when it isn't stretched out.
Also using elastic as a closure method on vests has been on approved kits since 2010. Did I dive that deep into the forums? Yes, yes I did. Another vest made with elastic closures and bathing suit clips is on the female armor resource thread. (Started in 2016 with an attempted revamp in 2018 due to the whole Photobucket fiasco.) I read a lot of these but with all the dead links I was only able make use of some of the information.
Yes, you can use a zipper to hold on you armor if you wanted to.
As for the elastic, while the section of the CRLs I quoted was indeed for armor, it is also states the ONLY places that elastic is allowed to be shown on a kit. I appreciate that you have gotten your kit approved this way, the CRLs are ever changing and these rules may not have been in place in 2010. Kits built today will need to follow the current CRLs. When those get updated, then those will be the new CRLs. There is no grandfathering unless otherwise noted.
What is does say is allowable for vest closures is:
Laces, zippers, parachute buckles, velcro and cloth or leather strapping are all acceptable methods of closure.
Elastic is not listed as an acceptable closure type.
None of those items have any stretch whatsoever, so I still end up with a bit of a scrunchy look which I am trying to avoid. I appreciate the ideas though. Does give me an idea about a possible different method to hide the closures. Stay tuned while I work that idea out.
My suggestion was to have a leather strap with elastic attached to each end. The leather would be the only visible part, and the elastic would be under your vest material. This would still give you some stretch, while only showing the leather portion.
Did you read my whole post? I am currently fulfilling the duties of the Ruus'alor best I can, since our Ruus'alor Sol'yce is no longer with us. Hence the reason I am beating this topic with a stick. I want to hear all the answers to all the possible arguments I can throw at you guys so that I have answers for my foundlings/recruits when they ask me. Also, my current vest has already been modified since base approval, as in two brigades worth of alterations to the entire kit.
I am a member of the Education team and have been training Ruus'alore and Ruus'alor Sol'yce for about 3 years now. I mention this in regard to your elastic because it is one of the things they are trained to be on the look out for.
My suggestion to you would be to reach out to both your Regional Ruus'sol and use the App Team Q&A to have them weigh in on the answer. This way you can give you recruits the best information.
As to your modification for brigades; Again, it is not always clear to see in a photo that it is elastic and not nylon strapping. That doesn't make it approvable. If a Ruus or App Team member reviewed your kit in person, they would most likely call it out as a CRL violation.
Just because it was not caught, does not make it CRL compliant.
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posting here to comment later! I may have some insight with being Q+A Director and App Team
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posting here to comment later! I may have some insight with being Q+A Director and App Team
Welcome to my madness! ;) Looking forward to hearing from you.
As for the elastic, while the section of the CRLs I quoted was indeed for armor, it is also states the ONLY places that elastic is allowed to be shown on a kit. I appreciate that you have gotten your kit approved this way, the CRLs are ever changing and these rules may not have been in place in 2010. Kits built today will need to follow the current CRLs. When those get updated, then those will be the new CRLs. There is no grandfathering unless otherwise noted.
Noted :like: I was still in the build process when the most recent update was applied to the CRLs so I have already gone through changing elements to meet the updated CRLs.
Elastic is not listed as an acceptable closure type.
True. It's also not listed as being unapprovable. So question here, my OM vest has chain mail as the side closures (part of my brigades upgrades) which is not a listed approvable closure method but has been approved by the Brigades app team and my Ruus' before we lost him, does that take it out of compliance? Because that is probably my second favorite aspect of my active kit and I would rather retire it before replacing it.
My suggestion was to have a leather strap with elastic attached to each end. The leather would be the only visible part, and the elastic would be under your vest material. This would still give you some stretch, while only showing the leather portion.
I definitely didn't understand your suggestion the first time. I think I've got it now. My thought was something more like this (that's just a leather scrap I put on top to give the idea).
(https://i.imgur.com/YYH9ilZ.jpg)
My thought was that it covers the majority of the elastic but should still give me enough stretch to avoid an attack. I do not handle restrictive pressure on my ribs well. And if anyone other then a Ruus' or app team member notices the tiny bit of elastic showing, they are staring too long somewhere they shouldn't be. I also don't walk around with my arms up so it would be concealed most of the time in general. What do you think?
I'm totally down to keep brainstorming this, and if I end up with grey scrunchies so be it.
Since the elastic is sewn in-between the fabric layers and the quilting was done on top of it, it would be faster to just remake the vest then to try and move it.
I am a member of the Education team and have been training Ruus'alore and Ruus'alor Sol'yce for about 3 years now. I mention this in regard to your elastic because it is one of the things they are trained to be on the look out for.
My suggestion to you would be to reach out to both your Regional Ruus'sol and use the App Team Q&A to have them weigh in on the answer. This way you can give you recruits the best information.
Wouldn't happen to be interested in training another would ya?
I have actually already reached out the Ruus'alor and Ruus'alror Sol'yce in the surrounding clans (I've got three so far that are cool with me shooting them questions) so I am currently building a network of information. I have also run into an apps team member who gave me the go ahead to bounce stuff that way. (While trooping, in my kit). Usually I can find the answers I need in the Q & A section without having to actually ask the question and add to the apps teams workload, or one of the other Ruus' know the answer. I just didn't realize this was a question I needed to ask. I had seen it on approved kits and it met my physical and psychological needs. It wasn't directly address in the CRLs in relationship to vests, so why would I question what appeared to be an already established acceptable method?
The most frustrating part of this is that I spent a year building and then the last year trooping and I never knew this. Please tell me there is hand book or pamphlet or something for the Ruus'alor Sol'yce position, because I do not want to be the reason someone doesn't get approved.
And while we're still on the topic of elastic. I was planning on building in some elastic relief panels into my spats/half chaps to improve the fit and help them stay in place. It would look something like this.
(https://i.imgur.com/9gHnLd6.jpg)
I had planned to put them in the back/slightly toward the inside of the calf so they wouldn't be easily seen but in the area where the stretch would be the most beneficial. Aka, where all my equestrian half chaps have elastic. But it does leave little slivers of elastic visible. Its probably 1/5" maybe less. I'm guessing here. Is that also going to be a problem? It greatly improves the fit and comfort for half chaps to have them there, but I can design without them, it just won't look quite as nicely fitted. I was also thinking of running a zipper up the back seam but if I can't put the elastic in that will have to change because that is a fight I am not interested in every time I kit up.
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Armor Construction Update:
I got some bondo into the seams where the fins join into the shoulder and sanded it down.
(https://i.imgur.com/QPkDkwI.jpg)
Then I put a second layer of filler to help smooth out the areas where I fiberglassed and on top of the Bondo to help get a smoother finish. I have found that combining these two gives me the finish I am looking for. I also got the filler on the shoulder straps.
(https://i.imgur.com/L8hCCqN.jpg)
Once they dry they'll be sanded down and depending on how smooth they are I'll either put a layer of primer on, or another layer of filler.
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Plates look nice! I hope everything with the vest works out
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Plates look nice! I hope everything with the vest works out
Thanks! It'll all work out in the end. :)
Update:
A layer of primer
(https://i.imgur.com/3hYEtaA.jpg)
Then a layer of filler primer after another round if filler and sanding.
(https://i.imgur.com/RTf6Lvd.jpg)
And some work on my half chaps. One is mostly done, just need to put a little bit of leather on the outside of the under the boot strap.
(https://i.imgur.com/7NF0HuN.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/SqCaAXl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Fk2DnmE.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/RBp9Br6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/8ywPFAV.jpg)
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Alright, half chaps are pretty much done now. I am still debating what to do with the extra flap on the half chaps as I am not buying anything new for this build. I'm only using what I already have on hand and I don't have two matching snaps. I supposed I could do some that don't match but that just kinda rubs me the wrong way.
(https://i.imgur.com/YeeNx3I.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/vALm3if.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/gZgq3rB.jpg)
I'm also debating adding in some keepers for the straps. I probably will.
I did a quick test fit. My left shoulder strap I didn't not get shaped right. So, back to the heat gun with that one.
(https://i.imgur.com/tv2NsmJ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/oFbaprd.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/2MNxvhT.jpg)
I'm also going to be pulling the zipper out of the pants of the flight suit because it bulges weird. Not liking the look. Might be okay once I add the sash so I'll hold off on tearing it out for now but it's on the list.
I heat formed the shin plates
(https://i.imgur.com/okc9Slt.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/MQAFy36.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/nd9S1Df.jpg)
I also added the main trauma plate to the shins
(https://i.imgur.com/TqJTPlM.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/805ifXC.jpg)
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Great to finally see the plates on you! Awesome work and I'm really excited to see the trauma plates in the post imperial style. And I can't quite tell what you mean with the half chaps, they looks good to me.
And maybe it's just me, but the backplate looks kinda small? Not sure if that would be considered 2/3rds of your back.
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Looks great :like:
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Great to finally see the plates on you! Awesome work and I'm really excited to see the trauma plates in the post imperial style. And I can't quite tell what you mean with the half chaps, they looks good to me.
And maybe it's just me, but the backplate looks kinda small? Not sure if that would be considered 2/3rds of your back.
For the half chaps, I'm talking about the little grey flap that is hanging free by the ankle. I either need to cut it off or add a snap to it to keep it in place.
And you're completely right about the back plate. I totally flubbed my measurements for that. It's an inch short of the 2/3rds mark (in relation to the length of the back of the vest since it's not supposed to be longer than the vest or wider then the chest armor) and even then I think I'll need it a bit bigger then that to get it to look right. I'm thinking I'll try to lengthen it with a trauma plate first rather than start over or...
Which leads me to another question, can I articulate back plates for Post-Imp? Because that would be preferred and totally fit the aquatic aesthetic of having scales and such. Plus it makes moving around so much easier. I could also just add another plate a bit lower and get the spacing right. CRLs are non-conclusive for this issue. Time to pester my contacts. ;D
Looks great :like:
Thanks!
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For the half chaps, I'm talking about the little grey flap that is hanging free by the ankle. I either need to cut it off or add a snap to it to keep it in place.
And you're completely right about the back plate. I totally flubbed my measurements for that. It's an inch short of the 2/3rds mark (in relation to the length of the back of the vest since it's not supposed to be longer than the vest or wider then the chest armor) and even then I think I'll need it a bit bigger then that to get it to look right. I'm thinking I'll try to lengthen it with a trauma plate first rather than start over or...
Which leads me to another question, can I articulate back plates for Post-Imp? Because that would be preferred and totally fit the aquatic aesthetic of having scales and such. Plus it makes moving around so much easier. I could also just add another plate a bit lower and get the spacing right. CRLs are non-conclusive for this issue. Time to pester my contacts. ;D
Gotcha with the half chaps, just do whatever you think looks better!
For the back plate I'm not quite sure what you mean by "articulate", but yeah I would look at references and ask mando friends because the post-imp CRLs are pretty short. I think matching the aesthetic vibe of the era is more important than looking for CRLs that aren't there.
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commenting to follow
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Small update
I made a sash yesterday. (The belt is just a place holder till I find the brown one I was planning on using.)
(https://i.imgur.com/lpWoHCP.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/SXJLlYs.jpg)
Today I added the top stitching to the sash.
(https://i.imgur.com/whrRo4i.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/yXjSHJz.jpg)
I shot an idea over to a Ruus' friend and they said it should be fine so I made a quick pattern to add some layers to my backplate. I needs a minimum of one more inch but I didn't think it looked right even then so I cut out a few more.
(https://i.imgur.com/VStfoxG.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/MkkAkGK.jpg)
And I added the leather covers to one side of my vest. Nearly all the elastic is covered except the connection points and that blends nicely into the flight suit. It is only noticeable it if you knew to look for it. Please ignore some of the creative stitching, my machine was having fits today. It was a little bit claustrophobic with the straps not having as much give but I think I can stand it.
(https://i.imgur.com/sbLqJSH.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/q4RXgTX.jpg)
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I did some stuff. ;)
I did a bit of work on the additional panels for the backplate.
(https://i.imgur.com/CHUhrqF.jpg)
Then I patterned, cut, sanded and heat formed the pieces for my tasset plates.
(https://i.imgur.com/0Y4Q1aT.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/M73ugJY.jpg)
Then I primed all the new pieces.
(https://i.imgur.com/JDJj4Nh.jpg)
I am also fiddling around with a possible kama. I used the odd duck panels from the seat covers to construct it. My siblings agree that it doesn't look quite right as it is now. So should I cut it into a V (dolphin tail-esk) or cut the center panel flat across just to even out the middle bit?
(https://i.imgur.com/pCGijxJ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/wX7qzBK.jpg)
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I love the back armor and the shoulder armor! the details on the flak vest are amazing!! I always learn so much from watching you make your armor :D
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For the kama, I think that if you do cut it, you should do the V design. Also the plates look awesome. You're just cranking this kit out, I really admire your dedication and stamina!
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Happy New Year!
I put some silver on my plates!
(https://i.imgur.com/ya7TOpk.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6xzKspR.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/9p1hTX5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/jABSD3g.jpg)
For the kama, I think that if you do cut it, you should do the V design.
I did go for the V-cut as that was the consensus from my clan as well. Also thanks :)
(https://i.imgur.com/3AjRnK8.jpg)
And I started scaling an apron thing from my left over leather bits that are to small for anything else.
(https://i.imgur.com/Y3dw7IH.jpg)
I plan on giving it a grey trim and I'll keep adding to it as I build and have more leather bits left over.
Paint designs!
I sat down and colored probably eight different patterns but I am leaning toward this one.
(https://i.imgur.com/VBvoUh4.jpg)
The grey side would be reflected across as I think that the grey looks better and ties in my softs better.
The backplate paint design might change too as I was sent some awesome inspiration photos from a recruit/foundling of our clan.
I love the back armor and the shoulder armor! the details on the flak vest are amazing!! I always learn so much from watching you make your armor :D
Thanks! How's your build going?
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Thanks! How's your build going?
Pretty good, thanks for asking! The holidays have given me much more time to work on my kit. I will probably be posting an update in a few days.
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Pretty good, thanks for asking! The holidays have given me much more time to work on my kit. I will probably be posting an update in a few days.
Looking forward to it!
Update:
(https://i.imgur.com/pNKJ6Rd.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/UGXbBLc.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/cL1O555.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/LU08TRP.jpg)
I also started painted, two colors on, three more to go.
(https://i.imgur.com/9gLt7VX.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/wGNKvKT.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/oE22XTF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/9K9ZCLU.jpg)
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Weather was so nice when I got home that I just had to get a couple layers of paint onto the armor. Not happy with the back plates so those will get a lovely sanding and and some new paint.
(https://i.imgur.com/cQeKWZ5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/8MqQuNi.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/kMNg7ZL.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/qRYndBi.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/2IURzE1.jpg)
Then I made and added straps onto one of the shin plates.
(https://i.imgur.com/4tU9jmq.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/FnDxbbJ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/poxKe5J.jpg)
I also cut out the grey leather under-the-gauntlet cuff. Once I get those fitted I can heat form my gauntlets.
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Nice!
This is turning out great :like:
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Wonderful job! they look so nice! :<3:
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Nice!
This is turning out great :like:
Thanks!
Wonderful job! they look so nice! :<3:
:) Thank you!
Update:
I finished making the leather cuff for under my gauntlets.
(https://i.imgur.com/RGX62ur.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/oMEBpye.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ywO17VE.jpg)
I made the straps and mounted them to the second shin plate
(https://i.imgur.com/O0Z5UM6.jpg)
Then I added some of the extra trauma plates to the shins
(https://i.imgur.com/N3H8c6d.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/cez2c5t.jpg)
I got the final layers of paint on the tasset plates and then I strapped them together. I really love the way they hang and the confusing nature of how the paint all splashes and collides together. My vod'ika told me it looks like modern art.
(https://i.imgur.com/U8FoAVV.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/cs9HCiu.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/NwBofnW.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ktDbRFd.jpg)
My assistant modeling them
(https://i.imgur.com/iNHXsAj.jpg)
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Awwwww. Kitty! :<3:
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So cute!!!
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Tasset plates look sooooo cool! Nice job vod
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Thank you all!
I got home and the humidity and weather were both co-operating for painting. I went for take two on the backplate. I love the way it turned out.
(https://i.imgur.com/8kd9wuV.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/8JFuj5i.jpg)
I still need to strap it together but I absolutely love it. It's making me rethink some of my other paint. Might have a few tweaks to make.
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You are so prolific it's amazing (and a little bit annoying, in a good way!), and your work is on point as usual.
Love the undersea dazzle camouflage on the tassets and the pattern on your backplate is...spot-on.
That fade at the edges of the central pattern is just beautiful.
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You are so prolific it's amazing (and a little bit annoying, in a good way!), and your work is on point as usual.
Love the undersea dazzle camouflage on the tassets and the pattern on your backplate is...spot-on.
That fade at the edges of the central pattern is just beautiful.
:laugh: I think our senses of humor are very similar. Thank you. :) I hope to inspire but not discourage. Plus this is currently my only artistic outlet. (Usually I have others but with the plague and everything...) Besides your metal kit will be awesome when it's done. I have spoken. ;)
Chest plate and shoulders re-imagined. I am much happier with the results.
(https://i.imgur.com/xz1Ctqv.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/pwYfw7c.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tkekE4J.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/wmhaN41.jpg)
After laying it all out to get the feel for how it looked overall, I felt like something was missing. So I grabbed my acrylics and mixed colors until I got the match to my tiny can of spray paint and added touches to the tasset plates and shins.
(https://i.imgur.com/qmwP5yJ.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/tFiIIhk.jpg)
Then I just had to try it all on. Obviously it's taped in place so nothing is quite right, especially my back plate which ended up to low because the top of the vest folded over.
(https://i.imgur.com/eGcjCeJ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/2ttL8n5.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/YmW6Eot.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/BqyvcnE.jpg)
Still need gauntlets and a helmet for this build. I plan to scratch build my helmet out of the hard hat I've had for the past year just sitting around. And the gauntlets are already cut, just need to be heat formed and hinged. I plan on leaving them pretty simple for now, but that is subject to change as all things are.
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:laugh: I think our senses of humor are very similar. Thank you. :) I hope to inspire but not discourage. Plus this is currently my only artistic outlet. (Usually I have others but with the plague and everything...) Besides your metal kit will be awesome when it's done. I have spoken. ;)
Mos def inspiring, not discouraging. Your art motivates me to keep working and up my game. And seeing as you have spoken, I better get to work. Still chasing that OM.
The spot highlights - such a simple add but it hits it right to unify parts and add the depth to the pattern.
I think this kit is going to be one you see years later on peoples inspo boards when they decide the want to go for the life aquatic.
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Awesome paint job vod! As I suspected, the new paint design really just ties the whole kit together and makes your armor look like it's all inspired by the same creature!
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Awesome paint job vod! As I suspected, the new paint design really just ties the whole kit together and makes your armor look like it's all inspired by the same creature!
Thanks! Appreciated bouncing ideas off you. :)
Update: What have I been doing, oh just some stuff.
I attached the backplate to the vest with butterfly pins and magnets. I switch out the butterfly backs with locking backs to ensure it stays in place.
(https://i.imgur.com/n1O8BZW.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/NpQkQaj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/KrKbUDx.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/5s4fFUv.jpg)
I attached the tasset plates to the leather backing and put the belt loops on. I connected them with snaps so that if I need to remove them while in full kit I can just unsnap them.
(https://i.imgur.com/6lisgJh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/kbqgQrN.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/R7FPPkd.jpg)
I added the top attachment for the shoulders. I'll need to add a second anchor point to help keep them in place as they move far to easily as is.
(https://i.imgur.com/A1D9c8e.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/snuL1mx.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/w0KYjnG.jpg)
I added snaps to attach the Kama to the sash, as when I apply for aquatic specialist in brigades a kama is not allowed but I am much more comfortable in one so for now it stays.
(https://i.imgur.com/9w1763r.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ZelNPLj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/7QKY8bK.jpg)
I heat formed my gauntlets but my gorrila glue had dried out, it is over a year old so I guess it time to buy a new bottle so I can attach the hinges to the gauntlets.
(https://i.imgur.com/mvJG2Ii.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ZkMJYug.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/fhVXaTd.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/I6lbqeH.jpg)
I still need to finalize what kinda extra's I'm going to put on them but having base gauntlets is a step in the right direction.
And I got the magnets on for the front plate. This one is held on entirely by magnets.
(https://i.imgur.com/59UHCos.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/omo1I9F.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/97WxfSm.jpg)
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Impressive work and great WIP - definitely can serve as a good tutorial/follow along as well.
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Impressive work and great WIP - definitely can serve as a good tutorial/follow along as well.
Thanks! I do try to record these builds in such as way that if I forget what I did I can look back and go, 'oh right! That's what I did there.' Short term memory :laugh:
Small bits of progress on this build. Outer hinges are attached for the gauntlets.
(https://i.imgur.com/jBlJ6En.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DkqQlKY.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/q7XPT7m.jpg)
I also got the magnets added to the shoulder straps, not loving the way the one sits though, might have to try and tweak it a bit.
(https://i.imgur.com/Z8piTbr.jpg)
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Little things happening!
Added a box to the top of one gauntlet to house the remote I wired to my visor lights. Speaking of which, clan mate gave me crash course on wiring and I made my first circuit!
(https://i.imgur.com/zTHzMQP.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Zw9CAct.mp4)
I also am trying a new gauntlet closure type. I have since added a few more things to the other one but haven't taken pictures yet.
(https://i.imgur.com/HVOBIR5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/2t6rqk7.jpg)
I've also got three visor color films to pick from for my helmet.
(https://i.imgur.com/nj7DVXd.jpg)
I am also trying to pick which version I want to use for my propulsion pack/diving rig (the central one will be an oxygen tank and have a tube running from it up into my helmet) So opinion? A, B or C?
(https://i.imgur.com/KBVO2q9.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/A9dxLE1.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/VM4uNHG.jpg)
I am leaning towards C at the moment.
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Okay so first, great work! Second, I'm leaning towards the second visor color (the bright blue). I think it will pop really well from the rest of the kit but still be a part of the color scheme. For the back pack rig, I'm also leaning towards C but I think you should heavily modify the middle component (obviously it's not going to be just a water bottle glued on there, but maybe change up the shape a little bit, make a really cool connector for the top bit)?
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Personally, I prefer the B style backpack, but you’re the one that needs to be happy with it. I assume the two bottles on the side would be the propulsion system, and that they would be symmetrical.
Speaking of, what kind of propulsion did you want to go for: twin props, twin turbines, or compressed air-type jets? I think that would inform the design more than anything else (I like the idea of twin turbines, which is why I like B. C looks more like compressed gas, which strikes me as inefficient.)
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I'm really liking C. It has a more streamlined look, which is essential for efficient movement underwater.
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I'm with Fenn, C is my favorite. Gauntlets are looking great too! :porg2:
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Wow I'm liking this, It's really different to anything i've seen before.
Looking forward to seeing what you do next ;D
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As an aquatic build, I was thinking it would be funny to have two sea scooter engines instead of rocket cones and a torpedo instead of a rocket coming out of the oxygen tank.
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Wow guys thanks for the feedback!
Okay so first, great work! Second, I'm leaning towards the second visor color (the bright blue). I think it will pop really well from the rest of the kit but still be a part of the color scheme. For the back pack rig, I'm also leaning towards C but I think you should heavily modify the middle component (obviously it's not going to be just a water bottle glued on there, but maybe change up the shape a little bit, make a really cool connector for the top bit)?
Thanks! I was leaning that way as well for the visor color I just need to test and make sure it's reflective enough to not see my face through it. I am planning on adding to the central water bottle as I need to modify it to accept a hose. So it will get changed mostly based on what I need to do to make that connection and maybe a bit on what I think looks cool. ;)
Personally, I prefer the B style backpack, but you’re the one that needs to be happy with it. I assume the two bottles on the side would be the propulsion system, and that they would be symmetrical.
Speaking of, what kind of propulsion did you want to go for: twin props, twin turbines, or compressed air-type jets? I think that would inform the design more than anything else (I like the idea of twin turbines, which is why I like B. C looks more like compressed gas, which strikes me as inefficient.)
B has it's charms for sure. In my brain the propulsion system is more like a caterpillar drive only Star Wars. Reality is its probably going to end up being an entirely enclosed system where the outside view will only be lights in vents on the bottom of the pack more like Shea Viszla vent but not exacly...
I'm really liking C. It has a more streamlined look, which is essential for efficient movement underwater.
Agreed, C is more streamlined but also bigger, so more resistance but also less. That's not confusing at all. :laugh:
I'm with Fenn, C is my favorite. Gauntlets are looking great too! :porg2:
Thanks!
Wow I'm liking this, It's really different to anything i've seen before.
Looking forward to seeing what you do next ;D
Thank you!
As an aquatic build, I was thinking it would be funny to have two sea scooter engines instead of rocket cones and a torpedo instead of a rocket coming out of the oxygen tank.
Torpedos! I hadn't thought of that. Might need to reconsider some stuff. Thanks!
Bit more work on the gauntlets.
The base of the comlink has been added to the top of the left gauntlet.
(https://i.imgur.com/O2AjRjp.jpg)
The sonar screen has started it's journey but isn't mounted yet as I am not happy with the current way it's lighting up. Might need to move around the LED until I like it better.
(https://i.imgur.com/xpnPZZ4.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/U5m5dj8.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/osZXTwg.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/I0bZgbC.jpg)
And I got the dart launchers built into the latch I have on the left gauntlet.
(https://i.imgur.com/LTXTGcI.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/zIX7l2b.jpg)
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Looking good! Good luck with the LEDs :<3:
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If you put the LED directly under the panel, it’s going to have a “hot spot” where the LED is. You can mitigate it by adding some diffusing layers underneath, sanding the underside of the panel, and/or using LED strips/panels to give a more even light. If you go that way, you’ll probably need to ink in your etch lines, as bottom-up lighting is not going to catch the etches the way you’re probably expecting. If you light the panel from one or more edges, it will probably give you the effect you’re looking for.
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If you put the LED directly under the panel, it’s going to have a “hot spot” where the LED is. You can mitigate it by adding some diffusing layers underneath, sanding the underside of the panel, and/or using LED strips/panels to give a more even light. If you go that way, you’ll probably need to ink in your etch lines, as bottom-up lighting is not going to catch the etches the way you’re probably expecting. If you light the panel from one or more edges, it will probably give you the effect you’re looking for.
That is actually what I ended up doing. I pulled the light to the side. Lined it with aluminum tape and then backed the screen with window tint. It's not quite what I was thinking but it's good enough for me. I may still ink in my etch lines to make them stand out more.
(https://i.imgur.com/V7l3euA.jpg)
Update
Some paint on a bucket!
Wore out my assistant.
(https://i.imgur.com/pJuJGfo.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/FTXMRj8.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/UqDxwh3.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/YECBeep.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/hupus64.jpg)
Also got a bit of work done on a gauntlet but it's still drying so no pictures yet.
I feel like my paint is a bit to busy right now. Possible changes I'm considering are, painting over the undersea bedazzle (the sections on the dome that are all the colors) into a solid grey panel. The original plan was to tie in my tasset plates but it's such a busy pattern... Also loose the light blue lines and make it a solid brown dome. Opinions?
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1. I dig the 'sonar' vibe that the little gauntlet screen has.
2. Yes, there's a lot of pattern going on, but it looks cohesive. Be glorious and dangerous like the mantis shrimp (IN SPACE).
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Set your bucket aside for a few days, then look at it with fresh eyes. My initial impression is the same as yours; it’s too busy. I don’t think wiping out all that work is the right answer, though. The problem is that you’ve gt too many different values and hues: white, blue, brown and red. Some are warm, some cold, some pastel, some muted. I think you can bring them a bit closer together with some black and/or brown washes to mute the brighter colors and warm up the cold tones.
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Love the helmet!! The blue color you choose is beautiful. Your assistance is adorable!! :<3:
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Love the helmet! I also agree, it's pretty busy (but great!). Chose one main pattern. I really love the "undersea bedazzle" :laugh: so maybe keep that, and turn the other areas into just a single color. I think having multiple patterns like the spots on the back or lines on the top makes it a bit much.
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1. I dig the 'sonar' vibe that the little gauntlet screen has.
2. Yes, there's a lot of pattern going on, but it looks cohesive. Be glorious and dangerous like the mantis shrimp (IN SPACE).
Thanks! Space shrimp incoming!
Set your bucket aside for a few days, then look at it with fresh eyes. My initial impression is the same as yours; it’s too busy. I don’t think wiping out all that work is the right answer, though. The problem is that you’ve gt too many different values and hues: white, blue, brown and red. Some are warm, some cold, some pastel, some muted. I think you can bring them a bit closer together with some black and/or brown washes to mute the brighter colors and warm up the cold tones.
Unfortunately for the aquatics stuff, black and brown washes are actually discouraged under the premise that you're in the water so it will wash off all the dirt and grime. I can however weather with white/cream (for sea salt) and I can sneak in some greens (seaweed) and perhaps I can smuggle in a tan (sand if you will). I agree that I have a bit much going on color wheel wise.
Love the helmet!! The blue color you choose is beautiful. Your assistance is adorable!! :<3:
Thank you! He's helped build all my kits. ;)
Love the helmet! I also agree, it's pretty busy (but great!). Chose one main pattern. I really love the "undersea bedazzle" :laugh: so maybe keep that, and turn the other areas into just a single color. I think having multiple patterns like the spots on the back or lines on the top makes it a bit much.
I like the bedazzle too! But the spots pull in the chest and back armor. I thinking I might just paint over the lines on top. Not fully decided yet.
Photos from the con I finally did a full kit out (well mostly, the one shoulder strap is just not sitting right.)
(https://i.imgur.com/lhSYWoD.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/2Skel0U.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/o35Ll1y.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/unWQ2Wy.jpg)
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Nice! Quick question, have you settled on that gold visor? I still think the dark blue could be a cool look, but the gold is also iconic.
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Nice! Quick question, have you settled on that gold visor? I still think the dark blue could be a cool look, but the gold is also iconic.
I think I am going to be sticking with the gold for now. The helmet is already so busy that adding another color was even more over the top. The gold kinda ties it all together while still giving me the mirrored visor look that I favor.
Update: I realized that my paint chipping on my gauntlet didn't really match the amount of chipping I had else where on my kit so I had to add a few retroactively.
(https://i.imgur.com/Rx9vVdb.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tpyTK9g.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/cdrnFAE.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/8Gf1hW4.jpg)
I also added another layer to the bottom of the shoulders to make them a little bigger and add a bit of weight to help keep them in place.
(https://i.imgur.com/PUYYBkB.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/sIrdUgX.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/nAJ5v7c.jpg)
I also added a sigil! Many thanks to cknight68 the Mermando for permitting me to use his sigil!
(https://i.imgur.com/n02n7rb.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/xD4uqqh.jpg)
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Awesome pictures! :porg2:
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I was going to say, I thought that sigil looked familiar! haha
Loving the progress!
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Looking really nice!
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Been a bit since I updated here. Life has been really busy so I haven't really been able to do much building right now. Just a few small things have gotten done. I added new side panels to my vest!
(https://i.imgur.com/p5Q8JXa.jpg)
And I am working on an Aquatics inspired parasol to carry with this kit for the hot outdoor troops! (Not an approved accessory btw but it make a big difference when trying to avoid heatstroke.)
(https://i.imgur.com/xSkNsek.jpg)
Also did I mention I met Emily Swallow the armorer! So exciting! I was in the proses of switching kits when she stopped by out both so I threw some stuff on and ran out to see her. I realized later I hadn't put my shoulders back on. :laugh:
(https://i.imgur.com/LyH7lug.jpg)
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I am several posts behind now for this kit. For starters I finally fixed the slight gaping I was getting between the bottom of the chest, ab and vest connection. The way I affixed the ab plate it was pulling the bottom of the chest plates away and leaving a very small gap between the plates and the vest. Now it's fixed!! I added a small triangle of Sintra, heat formed it to fit the gap and painted it up to match.
(https://i.imgur.com/49rn6be.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Hh7cqbp.jpg)
I also added another bit to the shoulders. Not as in love with this addition but it does make them look bigger and thus helps with the very slight bobble head look I have going on.
(https://i.imgur.com/vi9Hk0R.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/Lsm9H02.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Pv2A9Ct.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/3sfFFY3.jpg)
Then begins the weathering. Because this is an aquatic kit I can't do my usual dirt washes so salt and sand are really all I have to work with. I might be able to try and squeak in some greens because seaweed but I'll add that later if needed. Don't want to put on something I can't take back later if it's not okay.
So I started by mixing some pigment powder in water and pretty much pour/painting it on everywhere.
Vest
(https://i.imgur.com/wLvDhQ3.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/xc6v3vW.jpg)
Then, after it dried, I beat it against the post on the porch to knock of what would most likely be knocked of by just walking around.
(https://i.imgur.com/wOIJs0P.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/hJUyTpx.jpg)
Then I sealed it into the fabric with a sealant.
I then did the same thing with all the soft parts. I did a bit more structured staining on the flightsuit. Looked up bunch of salt staining on clothes and looked at the pictures as I painted the pigment powered on.
Pants
Before the beating. ;)
(https://i.imgur.com/SUzps5k.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Tx570Zj.jpg)
After
(https://i.imgur.com/t69P8x2.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/wQEWkjL.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/LelVlXE.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/IGknf06.jpg)
Top
First round
(https://i.imgur.com/CYlyra8.jpg)
After
(https://i.imgur.com/CEe5QA5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/lPHydC2.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/819mMTv.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/VIKLpCj.jpg)
Sash
Before beating
(https://i.imgur.com/tf9YJ7a.jpg)
After
(https://i.imgur.com/WA0i0Bg.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/oORIBUx.jpg)
Leather goods: These just seemed to look greyer and greyer the more I added to them
Tassets
Before
(https://i.imgur.com/wZjiMQj.jpg)
After
(https://i.imgur.com/t4ORWo5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/RofpAqv.jpg)
Fauld
After
(https://i.imgur.com/hnCY5j9.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/GsSMmOs.jpg)
Half chaps
Before
(https://i.imgur.com/14R2zJf.jpg)
After
(https://i.imgur.com/bHgy3vd.jpg)
Cuffs
Before-only the bottom one in the picture had be done yet
(https://i.imgur.com/cyk8FMa.jpg)
After
(https://i.imgur.com/WKmhCqX.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/JBQfdYD.jpg)
At this point I stopped and just had to do some pictures. After the pictures I was looking at it and realized I had missed a few important items
(https://i.imgur.com/I2jI3i3.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/pju8zRO.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qAK6XWZ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/VLi26HP.jpg)
So then I did the rest of the softs I hadn't already done
Gloves- I took comparison photos to try and make it more obvious
(https://i.imgur.com/g8Cco5h.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/am2fW1j.jpg)
Both weathered
(https://i.imgur.com/AdT588y.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/2Q1q2Me.jpg)
Straps for the shins
(https://i.imgur.com/OCgWOB5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/VG6yYj7.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/eZxxTWm.jpg)
Boxes
(https://i.imgur.com/7qLcBOO.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/fRvXhRv.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEyVcLE.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/KqBUPwk.jpg)
Now I need to take some more pictures. Then I think I might be ready for pre-app.
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Looking really good! :like:
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This kit is fantastic! Layers of detail, you can enjoy it at a glance but it’s so rewarding to notice all the little stuff. The shoulders are my favorite, the extra material added gives it a crabby look I think, overlapping plates streamlined. Really good. And the belt boxes are really nice, I think I missed them in your WIP somewhere? What are they made of?
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This kit is fantastic! Layers of detail, you can enjoy it at a glance but it’s so rewarding to notice all the little stuff. The shoulders are my favorite, the extra material added gives it a crabby look I think, overlapping plates streamlined. Really good. And the belt boxes are really nice, I think I missed them in your WIP somewhere? What are they made of?
Thanks! So, I completely forgot to take progress pics of the boxes as I made them. The base is an Altoids Tin. I clip them to my belt with the super cheap money clips you can get on Amazon ($2 a piece when I got them). Sanded the back of the clip and box to rough them up then glued the clips to the back of the box with JB Steel Weld. It's a two part mixture stuff. The Altoids lid itself is stamped metal so I made Sintra rectangles and glued them to the top with E6000 clamped in place for maybe 45 minutes or so. The leather closure strap is just some scrap left over from all the other leather bits from the kit. The strap is held down with a button rivet. I think that's what it's called. Made all six in a an afternoon. Painted them up with some black spray paint. Navy acrylic paint on the step down for color depth and some beads for decoration.
Supplies to make another if I wanted to.
(https://i.imgur.com/Btk2U5I.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qVLEPVl.jpg)
The leather strap also wraps entirely around the box and is glued in place with contact cement.
Also we just had an armor party and we were helping one of our recruits take pre-app photos so I thought I might take some as well. I already see at least one more thing I need to take care of before this kit can go to apps but it's just a little thing so shouldn't take me more then an evening once I find the fabric remainders from the flight suit.
(https://i.imgur.com/GwXCAcm.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/uQKEUkw.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DyFRZ5A.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/dXkMs4Q.jpg)
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Awesome job as always!!! I'm sad that this build is almost over :'( I loved watching it!! You have done such a good job. I got to ask though, do you have a life time supply of Altoids mints now from buying all the tins? :laugh:
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Looking great! I may make some boxes like that
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Awesome job as always!!! I'm sad that this build is almost over :'( I loved watching it!! You have done such a good job. I got to ask though, do you have a life time supply of Altoids mints now from buying all the tins? :laugh:
I really have quite the collection. :laugh: My parents have been giving me three boxes of Altoids every year for Christmas for the last 10 years. So I found a use for them ;D And don't worry, no kit is ever truly done till you stop wearing it. ;)
Looking great! I may make some boxes like that
Go for it. Its super easy and fast to make some decent looking boxes. Only down side is that they are not as functional as pouches for practical stuff.
After feedback from pre-app I made a few more tweaks and added some leather ring weave collar straps.
(https://i.imgur.com/eHSuIRN.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/uxLcjuS.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/4KMj1ya.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Rg2Q50K.jpg)
Close up of the straps before weathering
(https://i.imgur.com/Ceu3pc2.jpg)
And after weathering
(https://i.imgur.com/wKJsATI.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/RaSRKPS.jpg)
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Continued awesomeness as always! The leather and chain detail is just like I mentioned before, from a distance it’s just texture but up close it’s really authentic and solid looking.
Follow up question about the belt boxes: how confident are you in the E6000 holding the clip in place? I was thinking of adding a metal canteen to my kit and would rather not rivet the clip in place and destroy a functioning item. I don’t actually intend to use it to hold water, I just hate to break a nice thing if I can help it.
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Continued awesomeness as always! The leather and chain detail is just like I mentioned before, from a distance it’s just texture but up close it’s really authentic and solid looking.
Follow up question about the belt boxes: how confident are you in the E6000 holding the clip in place? I was thinking of adding a metal canteen to my kit and would rather not rivet the clip in place and destroy a functioning item. I don’t actually intend to use it to hold water, I just hate to break a nice thing if I can help it.
If I were you, I'd either find the proper carrier pouch or make one for it to wear on your belt. Don't add a clip to the canteen itself, since, as you noted, it could damage the canteen. And, yes, if you have it, you might as well use it to hold drinking water to keep yourself hydrated during troops or conventions.
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Continued awesomeness as always! The leather and chain detail is just like I mentioned before, from a distance it’s just texture but up close it’s really authentic and solid looking.
Follow up question about the belt boxes: how confident are you in the E6000 holding the clip in place? I was thinking of adding a metal canteen to my kit and would rather not rivet the clip in place and destroy a functioning item. I don’t actually intend to use it to hold water, I just hate to break a nice thing if I can help it.
For my metal to metal connections I use JB Weld. It is the steel weld stuff, sets in 5-10 mins and works wonderfully. There is a slower setting stuff but I don't care for it as much as I have to either hold the pieces I am trying to bond for a long time or find a way to brace and/or clamp it. I haven't had a problem with it in the 1 yr + of my using that sort of connection on my main kit. This type of bond is my primary connection for holding all my chest armor on for this kit (https://mandalorianmercs.org/forum/index.php?topic=183388.0). This is a very solid bond so if you ever want to remove the clip I wouldn't go this route. If your fine with it always having the clip then go for it. It will only damage the canteen if you try to remove it.
(https://i.imgur.com/FXqZK4h.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/A81d2zu.jpg)
I generally use E6000 for bonds were I either want or need a little bit of flex eg. trauma plates on my armor. Or I'm just picking the cheaper glue option for something I am not really worried about being a problem (eg the sintra squared to the lids of the boxes). Hope that helps :)
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Hope that helps :)
It does help, thank you! I’m still processing if the canteen will be a belt mount, strap, or on a backpack. Just collecting tips and tricks for different materials.
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Approved!
(https://i.imgur.com/VVYwtkI.jpg)
Now on to brigades!
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Congrats! You're a mando making machine
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YAAAAAAYYYYY!!!!!. :8):
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Congrats! :porg2:
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Congratulations!!! You earned it!! :porg2:
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Congrats! You're a mando making machine
Thanks!!
YAAAAAAYYYYY!!!!!. :8):
Always so exciting to get the acceptance email!
Congrats! :porg2:
Thank you!
Congratulations!!! You earned it!! :porg2:
It was a fun journey that, if I stay true to form, isn't done yet. ;)
And first official troop with Naia Toa!!!
(https://i.imgur.com/SJU5e1I.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/3nY4v9n.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Iz4ngKy.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/CbdMSKG.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/2OnWdrK.jpg)
Had a minor malfunction with one gauntlet but a quick and dirty repair job got it back in action.
(https://i.imgur.com/UpMlUHU.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/OItq8iJ.jpg)
Guess I didn't learn my lesson last year at MegaCon as I tried to play sabacc again with a mirrored visor. Yup I lost.
(https://i.imgur.com/PpIYr6X.jpg)
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All of that looks incredible and like so much fun! :porg2:
Can't wait till I can start trooping.
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Great job :like: that kit is out of this galaxy!!
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Thank you both!
(https://i.imgur.com/sCpbOb5.jpg)
InfinityCon this past weekend!
(https://i.imgur.com/lqohHfk.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/4sXcg8b.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/VdAQySG.jpg)
I defeated a Din Djarin and claimed his darksaber!
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Same again :like: :laugh:
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How Fun!! Looking amazing :<3:
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Alright some troops have happened and I've been working on my brigades upgrades!
I'm going to start with the fun ones!
(https://i.imgur.com/znSIRCi.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/GMSfztd.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/LWQZW3b.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/VBKugqt.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/PbCLmNa.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/A9cduMu.jpg)
It has been a busy bit of time!
And some brigades upgrades!
Shell belt keeper
(https://i.imgur.com/BiEWNi2.jpg)
Trying to make my boxes a look a little more 'natural materiel' by adding scales!
(https://i.imgur.com/V3XhwNE.jpg)
And building a bone handled knife
(https://i.imgur.com/ZJQNu9v.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/L82yMif.jpg)
And of course the addition of a propulsion pack and O2 canister combo complete with dive harness
(https://i.imgur.com/hoTeueQ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/lT8g3QO.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/bRGlL49.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/XAxFWD6.jpg)
I still need to add the impellers but its getting close to completion!
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Yay!!! :porg2: can't wait to see it!
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So this thread has fallen a few posts behind but a quick review of what has occured. Impellers were added. Propulsion pack was worn to an event. Everything went wonderful. Propulsion pack was being carried into next event by a handler, horrible crunching sounds, broken impellers. :'(
Two weeks later I pulled out the backup set of impellers and finished that set. It's not quite the same as the original but still good!
I made a leash/lasso to fulfil one of beast tamer requirements and made a holster for my 'bone' handled stabby.
I am sure I am forgetting some stuff.
(https://i.imgur.com/wutzAbP.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qjvDswd.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ffpiEdy.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/5hJ4Knr.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/puQQRLv.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/QWotSjS.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/whYDfDO.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/mKgONYO.jpg)
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I have been slacking in my updating of this thread. I have been busy with a new job and trooping! Doing instead of recording as it were.
So updates:
I made an upgrade after a dark troop where I was one of the only ones who could see to navigate. UV reactive paint!
(https://i.imgur.com/PqKpr3z.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Zr43QMb.jpg)
I still need to add it to my propulsion pack but I think it came out fabulous. ;D
We also recently did several troops. My favorite has been the Jailbreak 5k, we got to chase some escapees!
(https://i.imgur.com/JqEwuQe.mp4) (https://i.imgur.com/qXoMjJT.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/0UucbTr.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/IVbiply.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/MbN9iAV.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/q4JfZzn.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/UDcn2Nz.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/arkfVZm.jpg)
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Hello. That addition of the uv paint is awesome!! If you do not mind, where did you find it? I found some on Amazon, but does not look like the jar in the picture. Thanks
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Hello. That addition of the uv paint is awesome!! If you do not mind, where did you find it? I found some on Amazon, but does not look like the jar in the picture. Thanks
This is the link to the exact one I purchased.
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B06XHW1HR3?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
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This is the link to the exact one I purchased.
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B06XHW1HR3?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Thank you
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The paint is a great addition!! I love the picture of you with alligator and with you stabbing your friend with your parasol :laugh:
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Wow, that paint. Pity there isn't more uv light out thete for people to see it. :like:
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Wow, that paint. Pity there isn't more uv light out thete for people to see it. :like:
I am making a UV light weapon to carry. ;) Thinking a trident but could also go with a knife/ax idea too! But then I would have my own black light to go with me everywhere!
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Nice :like:
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Wow life has gotten busy! I have been getting a few small things done.
Trident progress
(https://i.imgur.com/HgSW7cC.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ca0cIY6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/kXy0ybV.jpg)
Made some hats for the Christmas Parade
(https://i.imgur.com/dxJDCd8.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/mmepAxq.jpg)
And the hats in action
Parade 1
(https://i.imgur.com/yBPR3hJ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/hZ9zuaY.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/30v5Wnp.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/2HSKx8J.jpg)
Parade 2
(https://i.imgur.com/IDffNSs.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/SWjmVsk.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/HvUR4Lp.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/FnXwIvJ.jpg)
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My poor ignored WIP. Time to revive you!
Work on this kit has continued. Small bits and pieces have been getting done.
I made some progress on my trident.
(https://i.imgur.com/gTrLPFi.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/mP00bkA.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DyjDszF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/RmbftfH.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/srW21jn.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/NrcFgLF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ONOtYJE.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/RHYt04N.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/AzgIikh.jpg)
And for your viewing pleasure, my trusty mount!
(https://i.imgur.com/kxy3ZWR.jpg)
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Small updates!
Trident is pretty much done. Maybe a few small tweaks but should be pretty much done!
A Celtic Festival
(https://i.imgur.com/uiEQQwa.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/H4wmWoL.jpg)
And the Scottish games!
(https://i.imgur.com/qiG7awy.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/MdWG3HL.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/QdRHpJe.jpg)
Then Collective Con!
(https://i.imgur.com/n1xxI13.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/SMH1Ebv.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/U7itZJv.jpg)
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Woah super cool! I love when kits have a bit of a Monster Hunter vibe. The trident is coming along super cool too, we need more melee mandos!
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LOVE the pictures :laugh: you take the beat pics!!